Part of the Solution or Part of the Problem?

University of Minnesota

Medical School Dean, President Kaler, Mr. Pfutzenreuter

Sad, but true ...

From a comment in the Star-Tribune on their editorial criticizing the University of Minnesota administration:

",,, As you know, the tragic death of Mr. Markingson has been fully reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has been the subject of proceedings before the Hennepin County District Court and the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, as well as the University's Office of General Counsel.  None of these investigations or proceedings found that the University in any way contributed to the unfortunate death of Mr. Markingson.  Accordingly, I do not believe additional review is warranted and do not support your petition."

May 29, 2013, letter from Eric W. Kaler to Associate Professor Leigh Turner.

Rarely has a president of the University of Minnesota had to perform as embarrassing a U-turn as has President Kaler on this issue.  To be fair, he inherited the situation from his predecessor.  But there was an obvious lack of interest at the U in getting to the truth of Markingson's case - and at this point it can be justly said that Kaler was part of the problem, not part of the solution.